Final answer:
Hawaii, the Philippines, and other Pacific Islands served as crucial stopover points for U.S. naval and merchant ships for resupplying and repairs, facilitating American naval power and strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The need for such locations was keenly felt during the Spanish-American War and World War II, highlighting their strategic importance for U.S. military operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strategic significance of locations like Hawaii, the Philippines, and other Pacific Islands during U.S. naval operations in Asia was primarily for providing resting places for the U.S. ships. These locations allowed U.S. naval and merchant vessels to stop for necessary supplies such as coal, food, and repairs. Alfred Thayer Mahan emphasized the importance of these strategic pit stops in his work regarding sea power. Likewise, the establishment of a naval base at Pearl Harbor was crucial for the U.S. to maintain a strong presence in the Pacific and provide protection for American interests.
During the Spanish-American War, the acquisition of territories such as the Philippines and Guam became of heightened importance to secure American dominance in the Pacific and establish coaling and repair stations for its fleet. The outcomes of the war with Spain and the subsequent geopolitical developments led to a broader U.S. presence in the Pacific.
Furthermore, the American sanctions, including an embargo on oil and gas sales to Japan in 1941, showcased the vital role that Pacific territories played in the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The necessity for islands that could be used as airfields and supply bases during World War II further validated the strategic value of Pacific territories to the United States.